8/27: SAR Race 1 Sheppard Steeplechase stakes

[Flatterer]

The Jonathan Sheppard handicap at 2 ⅜ miles around 5 turns over 9 jumps closes the Saratoga jump stakes schedule and is a real head scratcher with many possible winners. With a large weight spread from 158 to 142 pounds, traditionally light weights have run well. #6 Sweet Will will scratch, reducing the field to 8 runners.

The current handicap ratings are close to the weight assignments.

#9 Jimmy P won this race last year but flattened out after the last fence in the Smithwick. #9 Jimmy P leads the 3 entry charge for trainer Keri Brion and keeps 1st call stable jockey Steven Mulqueen.

#7 St James the Great gets in light at 142 pounds, gets 8 pounds from #4 Hidden Path, and is taking a big step up in class but can improve as a 4YO for trainer Brion.

#2 The Insider gets veteran jockey Bernie Dalton for trainer Keri Brion, light weight at 142 pounds and is also taking a step up in class. Jockey Dalton rarely takes the lead early and will lay off the pace and try to run down the front runners on the backstretch the last time.

#1 Givemefive makes his debut run in the US and is highweight at 158 pounds. Since the pace is so much faster early compared to racing in England, 1st time runners in the US do not do well. I’ll wait and see for this runner.

#4 Hidden Path is a course and distance winner and has the best flat track speed in the race which he used effectively to close in his last race. Trainer Ricky Hendriks has 2 jump wins at the meet but will have to tote 150 pounds.

#5 Quick Master for leading trainer Fisher and leading jockey Watters and leading owner Bruton Street has his work cut out after fading badly in the Kiser but comes in light with 144 pounds.

#8 Zarak The Brave is highweight at 158 and has run competitive in 2 of 3 starts this year after hurting his shoulder during a fall in the Sheppard last year. #8 Zarak The Brave was the closest finisher to the best runners this year, Snap Decision and Abaan at Middleburg.

Early pace will be steady so it will be a riders race and saving ground will be key.

Selection

A) 9 WON $8.70 -2

B) 4 (3rd) - 7 (4th)

C) 8 (2nd)

$1EX 9-8 $30.75 $0.50 TRI 9-8-4 $91.25 $0.10 SUPER 9-8-4-7 $62.00

Good luck at the races!

FYI.....Fair Hill racing returns Saturday 8/30 with 6 flat turf races at 1 5/8 miles. NYRAbets will take online wagering with post time at 1:00pm EST.